Lead · Virginia

Lead in Virginia Drinking Water — 369 ZIPs Tested

EPA data analysis for lead in Virginia drinking water systems

ZipCheckup tracks Lead in Virginia drinking water: 369 ZIP codes with detected levels on record. 56 ZIP codes exceed the EPA limit (15 ppb (action level)). Lead carries a high health-risk designation.

369
ZIPs with Detections
56
ZIPs with Violations
9.6%
Violation Rate
15 ppb (action level)
EPA Limit
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block
Best Filter Method

Lead Contamination in Virginia

ZipCheckup analyzed drinking water data across 585 ZIP codes in Virginia for lead contamination. 369 ZIP codes have reported lead detections, and 56 have EPA violations on record.

The violation rate for lead in Virginia is 9.6% of all ZIP codes — higher than the national average.

EPA Standard for Lead

The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for lead is 15 ppb (action level), governed by the Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR/LCRI). Water systems that exceed this limit must take corrective action and notify consumers.

Worst ZIP Codes for Lead in Virginia

These ZIP codes reported the highest lead levels in Virginia based on CCR reports and EPA data:

Lowest Lead Levels in Virginia

These ZIP codes had the lowest reported lead detections in Virginia:

Health Effects of Lead

Lead is a potent neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure. In children, lead causes developmental delays, reduced IQ, and behavioral problems. In adults, it causes high blood pressure, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects. Pregnant women face increased risk of premature birth.

How to Remove Lead From Drinking Water

The most effective treatment for lead removal is Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block. Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 standards.

Check Your ZIP Code

Use the ZipCheckup water quality search to see lead data for your specific water system in Virginia.

Worst ZIP Codes for Lead in Virginia

Ranked by highest lead detection level.

Rank ZIP Code City Level Detected EPA Limit Status
1 24101 Hardy 31 ppb 15 ppb Exceeds
2 23851 Franklin 15 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
3 22827 Elkton 11 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
4 22923 Barboursville 10 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
5 22935 Dyke 10 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
6 22940 Free Union 10 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
7 22968 Ruckersville 10 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
8 22973 Stanardsville 10 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
9 23308 Bloxom 10 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
10 23357 Greenbush 10 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
11 23417 Onancock 10 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
12 23421 Parksley 10 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
13 23503 Norfolk 10 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
14 23505 Norfolk 10 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
15 23511 Norfolk 10 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
16 23551 Norfolk 10 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
17 23824 Blackstone 10 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
18 23942 Green Bay 10 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
19 23944 Kenbridge 10 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
20 23974 Victoria 10 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit

Lowest Lead Levels in Virginia

ZIP Code City Level Detected
24595 Sweet Briar 1 ppb
24588 Rustburg 1 ppb
24574 Monroe 1 ppb
24521 Amherst 1 ppb
24517 Altavista 1 ppb
24486 Weyers Cave 1 ppb
24482 Verona 1 ppb
24477 Stuarts Draft 1 ppb
24467 Mount Sidney 1 ppb
24437 Fort Defiance 1 ppb

Cities with Lead Data in Virginia

118 cities in Virginia have lead testing data available.

+ 98 more cities

Virginia Water Quality Overview: See statewide water quality rankings on the Virginia water quality page.
Learn more about Lead: Read the full guide on Lead in drinking water.
Home → Contaminants → Lead → Virginia

How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Lead in Virginia Drinking Water — 369 ZIPs Tested. https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/lead/virginia/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-contaminants-lead-virginia,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Lead in Virginia Drinking Water — 369 ZIPs Tested}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/lead/virginia/}
}

Page version: August 2026.

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